Adjustable support

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an adjustable support that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The adjustable support may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not is use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The adjustable support may be used as a traction splint, a walking stick, ski pole, or a crutch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application makes reference to U.S. application Ser. No.09/450,434, entitled “Traction Splint,” filed Nov. 30, 1999, the entirecontents and disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to adjustable supports.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] There have been several attempts to design portable devices thatprovide external traction to an injured limb. For example, U.S. Pat. No.4,608,971 to Borschneck describes an emergency leg splint thattelescopes for length adjustment. However, splints like Borschneck's arerelatively large and bulky making them difficult to transport andimpractical.

[0006] Splints designed to be portable such as Borschneck's do notprovide significant mechanical advantage, so these splints are lessuseful for fracture or dislocation reductions. Current traction splintsare also generally designed specifically for femoral traction only.Furthermore, current traction splints cannot be adjusted to exactly fitthe limb being supported without extension beyond the leg. Nor docurrent portable splints have functionality in addition to use as asplint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide acompact, lightweight versatile adjustable support.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide anadjustable support having both a coarse and a fine adjustment device.

[0009] It is yet another object to provide an adjustable support havinga mechanical advantage.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide atraction splint that may have its length adjusted for use by aparticular user.

[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide awalking stick that may have its length adjusted for use by a particularuser.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acrutch that may have its length adjusted for use by a particular user.

[0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide atraction splint that collapses into an easily portable form.

[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide awalking stick that collapses into an easily portable form.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acrutch that collapses into an easily portable form.

[0016] In a first broad aspect, the present invention provides anadjustable support, comprising: an outer member having a distal end anda proximal end; a middle member slidable in a longitudinal directionwithin the outer member, the middle member having a distal end and aproximal end; an inner member slidable in a longitudinal directionwithin the middle member, the inner member having a distal end and aproximal end; a coarse adjustment device for adjusting a distancebetween the distal end of the middle member and a proximal end of theouter member by a plurality of course increments; and a fine adjustmentdevice for adjusting a distance between the distal end of the innermember and a proximal end of the middle member by a plurality of fineincrements.

[0017] In a second broad aspect, the present invention provides anadjustable support, comprising: an outer member having a distal end anda proximal end; an inner member slidable in a longitudinal directionwithin the outer member, the inner member having a distal end and aproximal end; and an adjustment device for adjusting a distance betweenthe distal end of the inner member and a proximal end of the outermember by a plurality of fine increments.

[0018] In a third broad aspect, the present invention provides anadjustable support comprising: an elongated member having a distal endand a proximal end; a cord extending through a hollow portion of theelongated member, the cord including; a distal securing device forsecuring the elongated member to a limb of an individual, the distalsecuring device being mounted at the distal end of the elongated memberand including a loop portion extending from the distal end of theelongated member; a free end for grasping by a user and for allowing auser to pull on the cord to cause the loop portion of the distalsecuring device to pull the limb of the individual towards the elongatedmember; a connecting portion connecting the loop portion of the distalsecuring device to the free end; and proximal securing device forsecuring the elongated member to the limb of the individual, theproximal securing device being mounted on the elongated member at aposition proximal to the distal end of the elongated member.

[0019] Other objects and features of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description of the preferredembodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention will be described in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

[0021]FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of an adjustable supportof the present invention useful as a traction splint;

[0022]FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1A;

[0023]FIG. 1C is a schematic side view of an outer member of theembodiment of FIG. 1A;

[0024]FIG. 1D is a schematic side view of a middle member of theembodiment of FIG. 1A;

[0025]FIG. 1E is a schematic side view of an inner member of theembodiment of FIG. 1A;

[0026]FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment ofan adjustable support of the present invention useful as a tractionsplint;

[0027]FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 2A;

[0028]FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment ofan adjustable support of the present invention useful as a tractionsplint;

[0029]FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 3A;

[0030]FIG. 4A is a schematic front view of another embodiment of anadjustable support of the present invention useful as a traction splint;

[0031]FIG. 4B is a schematic side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A;

[0032]FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of anadjustable support of the present invention useful as a traction splint;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of anadjustable support of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of anadjustable support of the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of anadjustable support of the present invention;

[0036]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a member of another embodimentof an adjustable support of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a member of anotherembodiment of an adjustable support of the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a member of anotherembodiment of an adjustable support of the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of anadjustable support of the present invention useful as a walking stick orcrutch;

[0040]FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of anadjustable support of the present invention useful as a walking stick orcrutch; and

[0041]FIG. 14 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of anadjustable support of the present invention useful as a walking stick orcrutch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Definitions

[0042] For the purposes of the present invention the term “individual”refers to either an individual person or animal on or by whom theadjustable support of the present invention is used.

[0043] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “adjustablesupport” refers to the various devices encompassed by the presentinvention including traction splints, walking sticks, crutches, etc.

[0044] For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “walkingstick” and “cane” are used interchangeably and indicate an elongateddevice used as a walking aid that is gripped by a user. The term“walking stick” also encompasses such collapsible or non-collapsiblesupports as ski poles, paddles, shovels, tent poles, etc.

[0045] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “handle”refers to any device that allows a user to rest the user's weight on oneend of the adjustable support of the present invention. Handles of thepresent invention include: walking stick grips, cane handles, crutcharmpit rests, etc. The handles of the present invention may be padded orunpadded.

[0046] Unless specified or shown otherwise, for the purposes of thepresent invention, the term “distal end” refers to the end of anadjustable support from which an inner member of the adjustable supportextends or from which an adjustable securing device extends. The otherend of the adjustable support is referred to as the “proximal end”.

[0047] For the purposes of the present invention, the term“longitudinal” refers to a direction along the length of an adjustablesupport from either the proximal end to distal end or from the distalend to the proximal end.

[0048] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “opposedopenings” refers to a pair of corresponding openings on opposite sidesof a member.

[0049] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “cord” refersto any type of cord, natural or synthetic rope, line, chain, etc. thatcan be used with a pulley of the present invention. When used as part ofan adjustment device of the present invention, toe cord is preferablyflexible yet sufficiently strong to resist tearing or breaking whilepassing over pulley posts and moving inner and middle members relativeto one another. Although a rope is used as the cord in the embodimentsshown in the drawing figures and described below, it should beunderstood that various kinds of cords can be used in place of the ropeof these embodiments.

[0050] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “pulley”refers to one or more surfaces, one or more posts, one or more wheels,etc. over which, around which, or through which a cord of the presentinvention travels to provide a user of a traction splint of the presentinvention with a mechanical advantage. For the purposes of the presentinvention, the term “pulley system” refers to the combination of thecord and all of the pulleys in a particular adjustable support of thepresent invention. Utilizing multiple wheels as pulleys in a pulleysystem of the present invention allows the user to increase themechanical advantage of a traction splint of the present invention.

[0051] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “limb” refersto any part of a person's leg, including: the foot, ankle, knee, hip,etc. and any part of a person's arm, including: the shoulder, elbow,wrist, hand, etc. The term “limb” may also refer to any part of anindividual which may be braced by an adjustable support of the presentinvention such as an individual's back, neck, etc.

[0052] For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase “securingan adjustable support to a limb” refers not only to directly securingthe adjustable support of the present invention to an individual's limb,but also to securing the clothing or other objects adjacent to,surrounding or attached to an individual's limb. For example, theadjustable support of the present invention may be secured to anindividual's sleeve, pant's leg, sock, shoe, thigh pad, leg wrap, etc.

[0053] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “analogadjustment device” refers to a device that may increase or decrease thelength of the adjustable support of the present invention by a widevariety of different increments. For example, the pulley systemillustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 3A below is such an analogadjustment device. The pulley system allows the length of the adjustablesupport to be extended by very small, almost continuous increments. Incontrast, the term “discrete adjustment device” refers to devices whichadjust the length of the adjustable support of the present invention byparticular set amounts. For example, both adjustment devices describedin the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A are “discrete adjustmentdevices”. In these two adjustment devices, the spacing of the holes orslots determines the increments by which the adjustable support's lengthmay be extended.

[0054] For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “coarseadjustment” and “fine adjustment” are relative. For a particularadjustable support of the present invention, a course adjustment deviceadjusts the length of an adjustable support by an increment larger thanthe increment that the fine adjustment device adjusts the length of theadjustable support.

[0055] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “eyelet”refers to a screw with a closed loop at the terminal end. An eyelet isuseful for securing a removable strip to the end of the adjustablesupport.

[0056] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “selectivelyengaging” refers to a plunger, rod, etc. extending into or through oneor more openings that are aligned with the plunger, rod, etc. when twoor more of the members of the adjustable support of present inventionare in given relationship with one another. For example, in anadjustable support such as that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a plunger onthe middle member may selectively engage the first, second, or thirdopening from the distal end of the outer member, depending on theposition of the outer member relative to the middle member.

[0057] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “attached”when referring to a cord of the present invention being attached to amember of an adjustable support of the present invention refers to avariety of conventional methods of attachment of one end of a cord to amember. For example, when the cord of the present invention is a rope, arope can be attached to member threading one end of a rope through ahole in the member and knotting the rope so that the end of the ropecannot pass back through the hole. A rope can also be attached with anadhesive, cleat, Velcro®, staple, etc. or other conventional means forfixing a rope to a member. What is important is that when a cord of thepresent invention is attached to a member, the attached end of the cordis held or eventually prevented from moving any further, such as by aknot being prevented from going through a hole, when a user pulls on thefree end of the cord.

[0058] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “constrictionloop” refers to an adjustable loop that is used to secure a member of asplint of the present invention to a limb of an individual. Aconstriction loop is adjustable on the sense that the diameter of aconstriction loop can be adjusted to fit the diameter of one of theportions of the limb to which the adjustable support of the presentinvention is secured. A constriction loop can be formed by twisting anadjustable cord of the present invention or may be a separate loopmounted on an adjustable cord of the present invention. A constrictionloop may be constructed from rope, Velcro®, cloth, etc.

Description

[0059]FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E illustrate one embodiment of theadjustable support of the present invention for use as a tractionsplint. A three-member splint 100 includes an outer member 102 having anouter member distal end 104 and an outer member proximal end 106.Located inside outer member 102 is a middle member 108 having a middlemember distal end 110 and a middle member proximal end 112. Locatedinside middle member 108 is an inner member 114 having an inner memberdistal end 116 and an inner member proximal end 118 (visible in FIG.1E). A distal securing device 120 is mounted at inner member distal end116, and a proximal securing device 130 is mounted at outer memberproximal end 106. Distal securing device 120 and proximal securingdevice 130 allow three-member splint 100 to be secured to an individual(not shown).

[0060] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A through 1E, the distalsecuring device and proximal securing device are shown as rings thatcould receive a rope, hook and loop fastener, or any other appropriatemeans of attaching the splint of the present invention to theindividual. The distal securing device and the proximal securing devicecan be fixed or removably attached, and could be of any variety of sizesand shapes as desired for a particular use.

[0061] While the members shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A through 1Eare triangular in cross-section, it is contemplated that the memberscould be circular, oval, square, rectangular, or other shape incross-section.

[0062] Three-member splint 100 includes a coarse adjustment device 136.Coarse adjustment device 136 consists of a series of circular holes 138and a spring loaded plunger 142 (only a portion of which is visible inFIG. 1A). Although there are three holes depicted, the number can varydepending on the particular use. Spring loaded plunger 142 is mounted onmiddle member 108 and is designed to engage any one of holes 138. Onlyone of holes 138 may be engaged at any time, and plunger 142 must beactively depressed to disengage plunger 142 from one of holes 138. Onceplunger 142 is disengaged, middle member 108 and plunger 142 can bemoved along the inside of outer member 102 until desired one of holes126 is engaged as shown in FIG. 1A. Using the procedure just described,coarse adjustment device 136 is able to fix the location of middlemember 108 relative to outer member 102 and provides coarse adjustmentof splint length L₁.

[0063] Although the holes and corresponding plunger of the coarseadjustment device are depicted as circular in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A through 1E, other shapes such as oval, triangular, square, etc.may be used in the splint of the present invention. Also, the coarseadjustment device may consist of a pair of opposing holes through whicha screw, bolt etc. may extend to fix the position of middle memberrelative to outer member.

[0064] Three-member splint 100 also includes a fine adjustment device144. Fine adjustment device 144 consists of a plurality of slots oropenings 146 on an inner member first side 148 that are engaged by aratchet 152. A ratchet handle 154 allows a user (not shown) tomanipulate ratchet 152. When not in use, ratchet handle 154 is stored onmiddle member 108 as depicted in FIG. 1D. A brake 156 for fineadjustment device 144 consists of a brake distal end 158, a brake middleportion 160, a brake proximal end 162, a spring or brake resistancedevice 164, and a brake pivot 166. Brake proximal end 162 can bedepressed by a user (not shown) to disengage brake 156. Brake distal end158 is configured to engage openings 168 on a second side of innermember 150 by brake resistance device 164 located between brake proximalend 162 and middle member distal end 110. Inner member distal end 116 isfree to move in a distal direction away from middle member distal end110 when brake 156 is in use. However, openings 168 will engage brakedistal end 158 and thereby stop inner member distal end 116 as innermember distal end 116 travels toward middle member distal end 110. Brakepivot 166 allows the use of brake resistance device 164 to encouragebrake distal end 158 to engage inner member 114. Fine adjustment device144 restrains movement of middle member 108 relative to inner member 114and provides fine adjustment of splint length L₁.

[0065] The ratchet, brake, and slots of the fine adjustment device ofthe present invention can vary in size and distribution to change thedegree of fine adjustment desired. The ratchet handle may be adapted tobe stored on the middle member s shown in FIG. 1D.

[0066] The combination of coarse and fine adjustments shown in theembodiment of FIGS. 1A through 1E allow the splint to apply precise andtight traction and may be used to reduce fractures or dislocated joints.Furthermore, the compact design allows the splint to be portable. Aportable splint can be used by backpackers as well as all types ofemergency medical personnel. The splint of the present invention canalso be utilized for injuries to the upper and lower extremities.

[0067]FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate another preferred embodiment of theadjustable support of the present invention that is useful as a tractionsplint. A three-member splint 200 includes an outer member 202 having anouter member distal end 204 and an outer member proximal end 206.Located inside outer member 202 is a middle member 208 having a middlemember distal end 210 and a middle member proximal end 212. Locatedinside middle member 208 is an inner member 214 having an inner memberdistal end 216 and an inner member proximal end 218. A distal securingdevice 220 is mounted at inner member distal end 216, and a proximalsecuring device 230 is mounted at outer member proximal end 206. Distalsecuring device 220 and proximal securing device 230 allow three-membersplint 200 to be secured to an individual (not shown).

[0068] Although for convenience the members of the splint shown in FIGS.2A and 2B are made of a translucent or transparent plastic material, thematerials used to form the traction splint of the present invention maybe solid materials as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A through 1E.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the distal securingdevice and the proximal securing device are shown as rings that mayreceive a rope, hook and loop fastener, or any other appropriate meansof attaching the splint of the present invention to the individual. Thedistal securing device and the proximal securing device may be fixed orremovably attached, and may be of any variety of sizes and shapes asdesired for a particular use.

[0070] While the members shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B aresquare in cross-section, it is contemplated that the members of thesplint of the present invention can be circular, oval, triangular,rectangular, or other shape in cross-section.

[0071] Three-member splint 200 includes a coarse adjustment device 232.Coarse adjustment device 232 consists of a series of pairs oflongitudinally aligned holes 234 in outer member 202, a pair of opposedholes 236 in middle member 208, and a removable locking post 238 whichis inserted through holes 236 and a selected pair of holes 234 to fixthe position of middle member 208 relative to outer member 202, therebyproviding coarse adjustment of splint length L₂.

[0072] Although the holes and removable locking post of the coarseadjustment device are depicted as circular, other shapes such as oval,triangular, square, etc. may be used in the traction splint of thepresent invention. Also, the locking post could be replaced with a nail,screw, etc. A flattened end on one or both ends of locking post may bedesirable to maintain locking post in a fixed position once the desiredseries of holes are engaged.

[0073] A fine adjustment device 244 is also provided for three-membersplint 200. Fine adjustment device 244 is comprised of a distal pulleypost 268, a proximal pulley post 270, a pair of openings or slots 272 ininner member 214, and a rope 274. Proximal pulley post 270 is mounted onthe inside of inner member 214, and distal pulley post 268 is mounted onthe inside of middle member 208. Loops 278 and 280 of rope 274 wraparound distal pulley post 268 and proximal pulley post 270, respectivelyand rope 274 is attached to pulley post 268 at an attached end 282 ofrope 274. Openings 272 in inner member 214 allow for movement of innermember 214 relative to middle member 208 without inner member 214contacting distal pulley post 268. A user of three-member splint 200 maypull on free end 284 of rope 274 to cause loops 278 and 280,respectively, to tighten and pull distal pulley post 268 and proximalpulley post 270 toward one another. Fine adjustment device 244 allowsfor movement of inner member 214 relative to middle member 208 andprovides fine adjustment of splint length L₂. Fine adjustment device 244also provides mechanical advantage. This allows three-member splint 200to be used to reduce fractures or dislocations without requiring greatstrength or exertion by the user.

[0074] The a end of the rope used to finely adjust the splint of thepresent invention may be secured to either pulley post, to either inneror middle member, or to any other suitable location on the splint.

[0075]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another referred embodiment of theadjustable support of the present invention that is useful as a tractionsplint. A three-member splint 300 includes an outer member 302 having anouter member distal end 304 and an outer member proximal end 306.Located inside outer member 302 is a middle member 308 having a middlemember distal end 310 and a middle member proximal end 312. Locatedinside middle member 308 is an inner member 314 having an inner memberdistal end 316 and an inner member proximal end 318. A distal securingdevice 320 is mounted at inner member distal end 316, and a proximalsecuring device 330 is mounted at outer member proximal end 306. Distalsecuring device 320 and proximal securing device 330 allow splint 300 tobe secured to an individual (not shown).

[0076] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the distal securingdevice and the proximal securing device are shown as rings that canreceive a rope, hook and loop fastener, or any other appropriate meansof attaching the splint of the present invention to an individual. Thedistal securing device and the proximal securing device can be fixed orremovably attached, and can be of any variety of sizes and shapes asdesired for a particular use.

[0077] While the members of the splint shown in the embodiment of FIGS.3A and 3B are circular in cross-section, it is contemplated that themembers can be, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or other shape incross-section.

[0078] Three-member splint 300 includes a coarse adjustment device 332.Coarse adjustment device 332 consists of a series of pairs oflongitudinally aligned holes 338 in outer member 302, a pair of opposedholes 336 in middle member 308, and a removable locking post 340 whichis inserted through holes 336 and a selected pair of holes 338 to fixthe position of middle member 308 relative to outer member 302, therebyproviding coarse adjustment of splint length L₃.

[0079] Although the holes and removable locking post of the coarseadjustment device are depicted as circular, other shapes such as oval,triangular, square, etc. may be used in the traction splint of thepresent invention. Also, the locking post can be replaced with a nail,screw, etc. A flattened end on one or both ends of the locking post maybe desirable to maintain the locking post in a fixed position once thedesired series of holes is engaged.

[0080] A fine adjustment device 344 is also provided for three-membersplint 300. Fine adjustment device 344 is comprised of a distal pulleypost 368, a proximal pulley post 370, and a rope 374. Distal pulley post368 is mounted inside middle member 308 and proximal pulley post 370 ismounted to the inside of inner member 314. Loops 378 and 380 of rope 374wrap around distal pulley post 368 and proximal pulley post 370,respectively and rope 374 is attached at an attached end 382 to middlemember 308. Openings in inner member 314 (not shown) allow for movementof inner member 314 relative to middle member 308 without inner member314 contacting distal pulley post 368. A user of three-member splint 300may pull on free end 384 of rope 374 to cause loops 378 and 380 of rope374 around distal pulley post 368 and proximal pulley post 370,respectively, to tighten and pull distal pulley post 368 and proximalpulley post 370 toward one another. Fine adjustment device 344 allowsfor movement of inner member 314 relative to middle member 308 andprovides fine adjustment of splint length L₃.

[0081] Fine adjustment device 344 also provides mechanical advantage.That allows three-member splint 300 to be used to reduce fractures ordislocations without requiring great strength or exertion by the user.Rope 374 is attached to middle member distal end 310 at attached end 382of rope 374. Once a desired splint length L₃ is achieved, free end 384of rope 374 can be secured at a cleat 386. Fine adjustment device 344allows inner member 314 to be moved relative to middle member 308 andallows fine adjustment of splint length L₃.

[0082] The fine adjustment device of the splint of FIGS. 3A and 3Bprovides mechanical advantage. Mechanical advantage allows the splint toreduce fractures or dislocations without great strength or exertion bythe user. The cleat is shown at the inner member distal end, but otherlocations on or in the splint may be utilized. The cleat may be aconventional cleat, a hook, or other suitable fastener for securing therope. Other methods for fastening rope, represented by dotted device387, include the use of a spring loaded block similar to the drawstringstopper common on outerwear to prevent passage of rope into distal end316 of inner member 314. Alternative means to prevent rope passage aretying a knot, or utilizing any other device slidable along the cordholding the cord in position at length.

[0083]FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another preferred embodiment of theadjustable support of the present invention that is useful as a tractionsplint. A two-member splint 400 includes an outer member 402 having anouter member distal end 404 and an outer member proximal end 406.Located inside outer member 402 is an inner member 414 having an innermember distal end 416 and an inner member proximal end 418. A distalsecuring device 420 is mounted at inner member distal end 416, and aproximal securing device 430 is mounted at outer member proximal end406. Distal securing device 420 and proximal securing device 430 attachtwo-member splint 400 to an individual (not shown).

[0084] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the distal securingdevice and the proximal securing device are shown as rings that canreceive a rope, hook and loop fastener, or any other appropriate meansof attaching the splint of the present invention to the individual. Thedistal securing device and the proximal securing device can be fixed orremovably attached, and can be of any variety of sizes and shapes asdesired for a particular use

[0085] An adjustment device 444 is also provided for two-member splint400. Adjustment device 444 is comprised of a distal pulley post 468, aproximal pulley post 470, a pair of openings 472 in inner member 414,and a rope 474. Proximal pulley post 470 is mounted to the inside ofinner member 414, and distal pulley post 468 is mounted to the inside ofinner member 402. Loops 478 and 480 of rope wrap around distal pulleypost 468 and proximal pulley post 470, respectively. Openings 472 ininner member 414 allow for movement of inner member 414 relative toouter member 402 without inner member 414 contacting distal pulley post468. A user of two-member splint 400 can pull on the free end 484 ofrope to cause loops 478 and 480 of rope 474 around distal pulley post468 and proximal pulley post 470, respectively, to tighten and pulldistal pulley post 468 and proximal pulley post 470 toward one another.Fine adjustment device 444 allows for movement of inner member 414relative to outer member 402 and provides fine adjustment of splintlength L₄. Fine adjustment device 444 also provides mechanicaladvantage. That allows two member splint 400 to be used to reducefractures or dislocations without great strength or exertion by theuser. Rope 474 is attached to outer member distal end 404 at a attachedend 482 of rope 474. Once a desired splint length L₄ is achieved, freeend 484 of rope 474 can be secured at a cleat 486. Fine adjustmentdevice 444 allows inner member 414 to be moved relative to outer member402 and provides fine adjustment of splint length L₄.

[0086] The rope locking point is shown along the inner member distalend, but other locations on or in the splint may be utilized. The ropelocking point may be comprised of a hook, cleat, or other suitablefastener for securing the rope. Other methods for locking the rope inposition are tying a knot on the rope, or using a slidable device toengage the rope and restrict motion toward the splint, therebymaintaining traction.

[0087]FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Asingle-member splint 500 includes a hollow member 502 having a memberdistal end 504 having an opening 506 and a member proximal end 508having an opening 510. A rope 512 extends through hollow member 502 andincludes a rope distal end 514 which extends from member distal end 504and a free rope end 516 that extends from member proximal end 508.Constriction loop 518 is used to secure single-member splint 500 to afirst end 522 of an individual's limb 524 (shown schematically forsimplicity of illustration) by looping constriction loop 518 aroundfirst end 522 and using a ring connection device 526 to attach to rope512. A proximal securing loop 528 is attached to member proximal end 508and is looped around a second end 530 of limb 524. By pulling on freerope end 516, first end 522 and second end 530 of limb 524 are pulledaway form each other, straightening limb 524 and taking pressure off afracture 532 in limb 524.

[0088] Although in FIG. 5, the traction splint of the present inventionis shown for use in treating a fracture, the traction splint of thepresent invention may also be used to provide traction to other kinds ofinjuries and separations, such as dislocations.

[0089] The distal end of the rope is preferably attached to the distalend of the member as depicted in FIG. 5, but can also be located atanother location on or in the member. The rope can be fixed or removablyattached to the member. The proximal securing loop is preferablyattached to the proximal end of the member as shown in FIG. 5, but couldbe located somewhat away from the proximal end. Instead of being a pieceof rope, the proximal securing loop and distal constriction loop can bemade of fabric, Velcro®, etc.

[0090] Proximity between the member distal end and the point distal tothe fracture is desirable, as well as the rope loop fitting snuglyaround the point to the fracture being secured. Although shown as aring, the constriction device for the splint shown in FIG. 5 can be anysuitable device that allows for rope movement. The length, relativestraightness, and stability provided by the hollow member of the splintcombined with a steady pull on the rope by a user contribute to a smoothstraight motion of the point distal to the fracture away from thefracture, thereby reducing or securing the fracture and possiblyalleviating some discomfort felt by the individual.

[0091] The hollow member shown in FIG. 5 can be circular, oval,triangular, square, rectangular, or other shape in cross-section asdesired. The ratio of length to width of the hollow member can bevarious chosen ratios. Although the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention describes a hollow tube as the member, it is contemplated thata solid or otherwise not consistently hollow device could form a portionof the member. The member preferably has a hollow portion which allowsthe rope to pass through, but it is not necessary that the entire memberbe hollow. Also, the hollow portion of the member need not be ofconsistent diameter through the length of the tube, or centered, asshown in the embodiment of FIG. 5.

[0092] In choosing a member for the splint for a particular application,it is important to consider the number of coils of rope to be containedtherein and the diameter of the rope to be employed. A suitably sizedmember can allow for ease of movement of the rope loops within themember but still be compact enough to be readily transportable.

[0093] Fine adjustment device provides mechanical advantage. Mechanicaladvantage allows splint to reduce fractures or dislocations withoutgreat strength or exertion by the user. The rope locking point is shownalong proximal end of inner member, but other locations on or in thesplint may be utilized. Rope locking point may be comprised of a hook,cleat, or other suitable fastener for securing the rope.

[0094] Distal securing device and proximal securing device are shown asa strip of hook and pile fastening material that could be wrapped arounda limb to attach adjustable support to an individual. Distal securingdevice and proximal securing device could be fixed or removable, andcould be of any variety of sizes and shapes as desired.

[0095] Although the holes and corresponding plunger of the coarseadjustment device are depicted as circular, other shapes such as oval,triangular, square, etc. may be used in the traction splint of thepresent invention. Also, the plunger could be replaced with a holethrough which a nail, screw, etc. may be provided to engage middlemember and secure middle member to outer member.

[0096] The unique combination of coarse and fine adjustments allows thesplint of the present invention to apply precise and tight traction andmay be used to reduce fractures or dislocated joints. Furthermore, thecompact design allows the splint to be portable. A portable splint maybe used by backpackers as well as all types of emergency medicalpersonnel. The design also allows the splint to be utilized for injuriesto the upper and lower extremities.

[0097]FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in whichan adjustable support 600 includes a distal pulley post 602 and aproximal pulley post 604 that are offset at an angle 90° with respect toeach other, unlike the previously described embodiments in which thedistal and proximal pulley posts are in parallel. Distal pulley post 602is mounted in an outer member 608 and proximal pulley post 604 ismounted in an inner member 606. A cord 610 is attached to proximalpulley post 604, wraps around distal pulley post 602 and proximal pulleypost 604 and a free end 612 of cord 610 extends out of an opening 614 inouter member 608. Arrows 616 indicate the direction cord 610 is pulledwhen a user pulls on free end 612. Such an arrangement of a pulley postand cord may be valuable in providing a particular degree of resistanceto adjustment in particular circumstances.

[0098]FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the present inventionthat differs from the embodiment of FIG. 6 only in how cord 610 iswrapped around proximal pulley post 604 and distal pulley post 602.

[0099]FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present inventionthat differs from the embodiments of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 only in how cord610 is wrapped around proximal pulley post 604 and distal pulley post602.

[0100] As illustrated by FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, a given adjustable support ofthe present invention, may have various cord wrapping arrangements.

[0101] Although FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate an adjustable support of thepresent invention in which the distal pulley post and proximal pulleyposts are offset an angle of 90° with respect to each other, the distalpulley post and proximal pulley posts of the present invention may beoffset at other angles as well and may be multi-pronged. For example,FIG. 9 illustrates an adjustable support 900 of the present inventionhaving a three-pronged pulley post 902 with three prongs 904, FIG. 10illustrates another adjustable support 1000 of the present inventionhaving a three-pronged pulley post 1002 with three prongs 1004, and FIG.11 illustrates an adjustable support 1100 having a four-pronged pulleypost 1102 with three prongs 1104.

[0102]FIG. 12 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the adjustablesupport of the present invention that is useful as a walking stick orcrutch, depending on the length of the members of the adjustablesupport. A three-member adjustable support 1200 includes an outer member1202 having an outer member distal end 1204 and an outer member proximalend 1206. Located inside outer member 1202 is a middle member 1208having a middle member distal end 1210 and a middle member proximal end1212. Located inside middle member 1208 is an inner member 1214 havingan inner member distal end 1216 and an inner member proximal end 1218. Adistal securing device 1220 is mounted at inner member distal end 1216,and a proximal securing device 1222 is mounted at outer member proximalend 1206. Distal securing device 1220 and proximal securing device 1222allow three-member adjustable support 1200 to be secured to anindividual (not shown). Mounted on inner member distal end 1210 is ahandle 1224 that may either be gripped by a user as a walking stick ormay fit under a user's armpit as a crutch. Handle 1224 also includes anopening 1226. Mounted on outer member proximal end 1206 is aconventional resilient base 1228, such as a rubber base, of the typecommonly found on the ends of crutches or canes.

[0103] Although the proximal securing device and distal securing deviceshown in FIG. 12 are Velcro® straps, other conventional securing devicesmay also be used with the walking stick or crutch of the presentinvention. For example, the distal securing device and the proximalsecuring device may be eyelets that could receive a rope, hook and loopfastener, or any other appropriate means of attaching the adjustablesupport to an individual. The distal securing device could be the strapof a walking stick or ski pole. The distal securing device and proximalsecuring device may be fixed or removable, and may be of any variety ofsizes and shapes as desired.

[0104] While the members of the splint shown in the embodiment of FIG.12 are circular in cross-section, it is contemplated that the memberscan be, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or other shape incross-section.

[0105] The handle for the adjustable support of the present inventionmay be designed solely for use as a walking stick, solely for use as acrutch, for dual use as a walking stick and as a crutch. In order to beused as a crutch, the adjustable support will need to have a maximumextension long enough to fit under a user's armpit. In order to be usedas a walking stick, the adjustable support need only be long enough toallow a user to grip and lean on the adjustable support.

[0106] The resilient base of the adjustable support of the presentinvention may be any conventional resilient base, such as the resilientbases used at the ends of canes, walking sticks, crutches, etc.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 12, three-member adjustable support 1200includes a coarse adjustment device 1232. Coarse adjustment device 1232is a conventional rotating locking mechanism that may be used to fix theposition of middle member 1208 relative to outer member 1202, therebyproviding coarse adjustment of adjustable support length L₁₂. Coarseadjustment device 1232 operates by rotating middle member 1208 relativeto outer member 1202 until middle member 1208 is locked in placerelative to outer member 1202. Such conventional rotating lockingmechanisms are commonly utilized in telescoping extension poles, such asski poles or extension poles used in washing windows or pruning trees.

[0108] Three-member adjustable support 1200 includes a fine adjustmentdevice 1244. Fine adjustment device 1244 is comprised of a distal pulleypost 1268, a proximal pulley post 1270, and a rope 1274 that extendsthrough opening 1226 in handle 1224. Distal pulley post 1268 is mountedinside middle member 1208 and proximal pulley post 1270 is mounted tothe inside of inner member 1214. Loops 1278 and 1280 of rope 1274 wraparound distal pulley post 1268 and proximal pulley post 1270,respectively. Rope 1274 is attached to proximal pulley post 1270 at anattached end 1282 of rope 1274. Openings in inner member 1214 (notshown) allow for movement of inner member 1214 relative to middle member1208 without inner member 1214 contacting distal pulley post 1268. Auser of three-member adjustable support 1200 may pull on free end 1284of rope 1274 to cause loops 1278 and 1280 of rope 1274 around distalpulley post 1268 and proximal pulley post 1270, respectively, to tightenand pull distal pulley post 1268 and proximal pulley post 1270 towardone another. Fine adjustment device 1244 allows for movement of innermember 1214 relative to middle member 1208 and provides fine adjustmentof adjustable support length L₁₂.

[0109] Fine adjustment device 1244 also provides mechanical advantagethat allows three-member adjustable support 1200 to be used to reducefractures or dislocations in limbs secured to three-member adjustablesupport 1200 without requiring great strength or exertion by the user.Once a desired adjustable support length L₁₂ is achieved, free end 1284can be secured at a cleat 1286 mounted on handle 1224. Fine adjustmentdevice 1244 allows inner member 1214 to be moved relative to middlemember 1208 and allows fine adjustment of adjustable support length L₁₂.

[0110] The cleat of the adjustable support of FIG. 12 is shown at theinner member distal end, but other locations on or in the splint may beutilized. The cleat may be a conventional cleat, a hook, or othersuitable fastener for securing the rope. Other methods for locking therope in position are tying a knot on the rope, or using a slidabledevice to engage the rope and restrict motion toward the splint, therebymaintaining traction.

[0111]FIG. 13 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the adjustablesupport of the present invention that is useful as a walking stick orcrutch, depending on the length of the members of the adjustablesupport. A three-member adjustable support 1300 includes an outer member1302 having an outer member distal end 1304 and an outer member proximalend 1306. Located inside outer member 1302 is a middle member 1308having a middle member distal end 1310 and a middle member proximal end1312. Located inside middle member 1308 is an inner member 1314 havingan inner member distal end 1316 and an inner member proximal end 1318. Adistal securing device 1320 is mounted at inner member distal end 1316,and a proximal securing device 1322 is mounted at outer member proximalend 1306. Distal securing device 1320 and proximal securing device 1322allow three-member adjustable support 1300 to be secured to anindividual (not shown). Mounted on outer member proximal end 1306 is ahandle 1324 that may either be gripped by a user as a walking stick ormay fit under a user's armpit as a crutch. When used as a femoralsplint, padded handle may be placed between legs as described byBorschneck, U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,971, or to side of injured limb. Handle1324 also includes an opening 1326. Mounted on inner member distal end1316 is a conventional resilient base 1328, such as a rubber base, ofthe type commonly found on the ends of crutches or canes.

[0112] Although the proximal securing device and distal securing deviceshown in FIG. 13 are Velcro® straps, other conventional securing devicesmay also be used with the walking stick or crutch of the presentinvention. For example, the distal securing device and the proximalsecuring device may be eyelets that could receive a rope, hook and loopfastener, or any other appropriate means of attaching the adjustablesupport to an individual. The distal securing device could be the strapof a walking stick or ski pole. The distal securing device and proximalsecuring device may be fixed or removable, and may be of any variety ofsizes and shapes as desired.

[0113] While the members of the splint shown in the embodiment of FIG.13 are circular in cross-section, it is contemplated that the memberscan be, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or other shape incross-section.

[0114] The handle for the adjustable support of the present inventionmay be designed solely for use as a walking stick, solely for use as acrutch, for dual use as a walking stick and as a crutch. In order to beused as a crutch, the adjustable support will need to have a maximumextension long enough to fit under a user's armpit. In order to be usedas a walking stick, the adjustable support need only be long enough toallow a user to grip and lean on the adjustable support.

[0115] The resilient base of the adjustable support of the presentinvention may be any conventional resilient base, such as the resilientbases used at the ends of canes, walking sticks, crutches, etc.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 13, three-member adjustable support 1300includes a coarse adjustment device 1332. Coarse adjustment device 1332is a conventional rotating locking mechanism that may be used to fix theposition of middle member 1308 relative to outer member 1302, therebyproviding coarse adjustment of adjustable support length L₁₃. Coarseadjustment device 1332 operates by rotating middle member 1308 relativeto outer member 1302 until middle member 1308 is locked in placerelative to outer member 1302.

[0117] Three-member adjustable support 1300 includes a fine adjustmentdevice 1344. Fine adjustment device 1344 is comprised of a distal pulleypost 1368, a proximal pulley post 1370, and a rope 1374 that extendsthrough opening 1326 in handle 1324. Distal pulley post 1368 is mountedinside middle member 1308 and proximal pulley post 1370 is mounted tothe inside of inner member 1314. Loops 1378 and 1380 of rope 1374 wraparound distal pulley post 1368 and proximal pulley post 1370,respectively. Rope 1374 is attached to middle member 1308 at attachedend 1382 of rope 1374. Openings in inner member 1314 (not shown) allowfor movement of inner member 1314 relative to middle member 1308 withoutinner member 1314 contacting distal pulley post 1368. A user ofthree-member adjustable support 1300 may pull on free end 1384 of rope1374 to cause loops 1378 and 1380 of rope 1374 around distal pulley post1368 and proximal pulley post 1370, respectively, to tighten and pulldistal pulley post 1368 and proximal pulley post 1370 toward oneanother. Fine adjustment device 1344 allows for movement of inner member1314 relative to middle member 1308 and provides fine adjustment ofadjustable support length L₁₃.

[0118] Fine adjustment device 1344 also provides mechanical advantagethat allows three-member adjustable support 1300 to be used to reducefractures or dislocations in limbs secured to three-member adjustablesupport 1300 without requiring great strength or exertion by the user.Once a desired adjustable support length L₁₃ is achieved, free end 1384can be secured at a cleat 1386 mounted on handle 1324. Fine adjustmentdevice 1344 allows inner member 1314 to be moved relative to middlemember 1308 and allows fine adjustment of adjustable support length L₁₃.

[0119] The cleat of the adjustable support of FIG. 13 is shown at theouter member proximal end, but other locations on or in the splint maybe utilized. The cleat may be a conventional cleat, a hook, or othersuitable fastener for securing the rope. Other methods for locking therope in position are tying a knot on the rope, or using a slidabledevice to engage the rope and restrict motion toward the splint, therebymaintaining traction.

[0120]FIG. 14 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the adjustablesupport of the present invention that is useful as a walking stick orcrutch, depending on the length of the members of the adjustablesupport. A three-member adjustable support 1400 includes an outer member1402 having an outer member distal end 1404 and an outer member proximalend 1406. Located inside outer member 1402 is a middle member 1408having a middle member distal end 1410 and a middle member proximal end1412. Located inside middle member 1408 is an inner member 1414 havingan inner member distal end 1416 and an inner member proximal end 1418. Adistal securing device 1420 is mounted at inner member distal end 1416,and a proximal securing device 1422 is mounted at outer member proximalend 1406. Distal securing device 1420 is a retractable hook that isdesigned to engage a strap (not shown) on the individual's clothing (notshown). Distal securing device 1420 is typically 7 to 10 cm long so thatdistal securing device 1420 may extend under the sole of the foot of theindividual (not shown) and provide a point of even traction. Retractedposition 1424 of distal securing device 1420 is shown by shadow lines.Proximal securing device 1422 is a retractable hook for fastening to astrap (not shown) on an individual (not shown). Retracted position 1426of proximal securing device 1422 is shown by shadow lines. Distalsecuring device 1420 and proximal securing device 1422 allowthree-member adjustable support 1400 to be secured to an individual (notshown). Mounted on outer member proximal end 1406 is a handle 1428 thatmay either be gripped by a user as a walking stick or may fit under auser's armpit as a crutch. Handle 1428 also includes an opening 1430.Mounted on inner member distal end 1416 is a stopper 1432 made of metalor rubber, the type commonly found on the ends of walking sticks, skipoles, crutches or canes. A basket 1434 is mounted at inner memberdistal end 1416 proximally of stopper 1432 to prevent three-memberadjustable support 1400 from sinking too deeply into mud, soft ground orsnow when an individual uses adjustable support 1400 on such terrain orwhen adjustable support 1400 is used as ski pole. Basket 1434 may alsobe used instead of 1420 as distal securing device by looping strap overstopper 1432.

[0121] Although the proximal securing device and distal securing deviceshown in FIG. 14 are retractable hooks, Velcro® straps, or otherconventional securing devices may also be used with the walking stick orcrutch of the present invention. For example, the distal securing deviceand the proximal securing device may be eyelets that could receive arope, hook and loop fastener, or any other appropriate means ofattaching the adjustable support to an individual. The proximal securingdevice could be the strap of a walking stick or ski pole. The distalsecuring device and proximal securing device may be fixed or removable,and may be of any variety of sizes and shapes as desired.

[0122] While the members of the splint shown in the embodiment of FIG.14 are circular in cross-section, it is contemplated that the memberscan be, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or other shape incross-section.

[0123] The handle for the adjustable support of the present inventionmay be designed solely for use as a walking stick, solely for use as acrutch, for dual use as a walking stick and as a crutch. In order to beused as a crutch, the adjustable support will need to have a maximumextension long enough to fit under a user's armpit. In order to be usedas a walking stick, the adjustable support need only be long enough toallow a user to grip and lean on the adjustable support.

[0124] The resilient base of the adjustable support of the presentinvention may be any conventional resilient base, such as the resilientbases used at the ends of canes, walking sticks, crutches, etc.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 14, three-member adjustable support 1400includes a coarse adjustment device 1442. Coarse adjustment device 1442is a conventional rotating locking mechanism that may be used to fix theposition of middle member 1408 relative to outer member 1402, therebyproviding coarse adjustment of adjustable support length L₁₄. Coarseadjustment device 1442 operates by rotating middle member 1408 relativeto outer member 1402 until middle member 1408 is locked in placerelative to outer member 1402.

[0126] Three-member adjustable support 1400 includes a fine adjustmentdevice 1444. Fine adjustment device 1444 is comprised of a distal pulleypost 1468, a proximal pulley post 1470, and a rope 1474 that extendsthrough opening 1430 in handle 1428. Distal pulley post 1468 is mountedinside middle member 1408 and proximal pulley post 1470 is mounted tothe inside of inner member 1414. Loops 1478 and 1480 of rope 1474 wraparound distal pulley post 1468 and proximal pulley post 1470,respectively. Rope 1474 is attached to inner member 1414 at attached end1482 of rope 1474. Openings in inner member 1414 (not shown) allow formovement of inner member 1414 relative to middle member 1408 withoutinner member 1414 contacting distal pulley post 1468. A user ofthree-member adjustable support 1400 may pull on free end 1484 of rope1474 to cause loops 1478 and 1480 of rope 1474 around distal pulley post1468 and proximal pulley post 1470, respectively, to tighten and pulldistal pulley post 1468 and proximal pulley post 1470 toward oneanother. Fine adjustment device 1444 allows for movement of inner member1414 relative to middle member 1408 and provides fine adjustment ofadjustable support length L₁₄.

[0127] Fine adjustment device 1444 also provides mechanical advantagethat allows three-member adjustable support 1400 to be used to reducefractures or dislocations in limbs secured to three-member adjustablesupport 1400 without requiring great strength or exertion by the user.Once a desired adjustable support length L₁₄ is achieved, free end 1484may be secured at a cleat 1486 mounted on handle 1428. Fine adjustmentdevice 1444 allows inner member 1414 to be moved relative to middlemember 1408 and allows fine adjustment of adjustable support length L₁₄.Movement of inner member 1414 relative to middle member 1408 may befurther restricted by using an external friction brake 1488 mounted onmiddle member 1408. External friction brake operates by compressingmiddle member 1408 against inner member 1414 until the friction betweenmiddle member 1408 and inner member 1414 is sufficient to prevent middlemember 1408 and inner member 1414 from moving with respect to each otherin a longitudinal direction. Preferably external friction brakecompresses both middle member 1408 and inner member 1414. A similarexternal brake may be used instead of coarse adjustment device 1442 tofix position of middle member relative to outer member.

[0128] A preferred type of external friction brake for use in thepresent invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,307 to Quintana etal., the entire contents and disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference. Although the Quintana et al friction brake operates byclamping the inner member within the middle, or by clamping the middlemember within the outer, other types of friction brakes may be used,such as threaded friction brakes that compress middle member or innermember as the friction brake is rotated along a thread on the outermember or middle member, respectively.

[0129] The cleat of the adjustable support of FIG. 14 is shown at theouter member proximal end, but other locations on or in the splint maybe utilized. The cleat may be a conventional cleat, a hook, or othersuitable fastener for securing the rope. Other methods for locking therope in position are tying a knot on the rope, or using a slidabledevice to engage the rope and restrict motion toward the splint, therebymaintaining traction.

[0130] Although the adjustable supports of FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 arethree-member adjustable supports, the walking sticks or crutches of thepresent invention may be constructed as two-member adjustable supportssimilar to adjustable support shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0131] The adjustable supports shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 may bestrapped to an individual to provide traction to a user who has a brokenlimb. Alternatively, the adjustable supports may be simply be used asfree supports, such as a conventional walking stick, cane or crutch.

[0132] Although the components in many of the embodiments of theadjustable support of the present invention shown above are shown in asemi- or completely transparent state for convenience of illustration,the actual materials used to construct the structures of the presentinvention may or may not be translucent or transparent. Materialsappropriate for construction of the outer, middle, and inner membersinclude: metal, preferably light yet strong metals such as aluminum ortitanium, durable plastics, wood, etc. One of the benefits of the splintof the present invention is its ability to be readily transportable dueto size and shape. Accordingly lighter materials are favored but theinvention may still be practiced with heavier materials.

[0133] Although only a few types of adjustment devices are illustratedin the drawing figures and described above, the present inventionencompasses various types of conventional adjustment devices that can beused to move two members relative to each other such as:hole-and-post-type devices, ratchet device, spring-loaded devices,pulley devices, screw-type devices, etc.

[0134] Although the present invention has been fully described inconjunction with the preferred embodiment thereof with reference to theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes andmodifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changesand modifications are to be understood as included within the scope ofthe present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless theydepart therefrom.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable support, comprising: an outermember having a distal end and a proximal end; a middle member slidablein a longitudinal direction within said outer member, said middle memberhaving a distal end and a proximal end; an inner member slidable in alongitudinal direction within said middle member, said inner memberhaving a distal end and a proximal end; a coarse adjustment means foradjusting a distance between said distal end of said middle member and aproximal end of said outer member by a plurality of course increments;and a fine adjustment means for adjusting a distance between said distalend of said inner member and a proximal end of said middle member by aplurality of fine increments.
 2. The adjustable support of claim 1,wherein: said coarse adjustment means is comprised of a plurality ofopenings in said outer member and a spring loaded plunger mounted onsaid middle member for releasably and selectively engaging one of saidopenings in said outer member.
 3. The adjustable support of claim 1,wherein said coarse adjustment means comprises: at least two pairedopposed and aligned first openings in a first member selected from thegroup consisting of said outer member and said middle member; aplurality of paired opposed and aligned second openings in a secondmember from the group consisting of said outer member and said middlemember, wherein said first member and said second member are not thesame; and a post for engaging and extending through two of said pairedfirst openings in said first member, and through two of said pluralityof paired second openings in said second member for preventinglongitudinal movement of said middle member relative to said outermember when said post extends through said paired first openings andsaid paired second openings.
 4. The adjustable support of claim 1,wherein said fine adjustment means comprises: a plurality of ratchetslots on at least one side of said inner member; a ratchet for movingsaid inner member relative to said middle member by selectively engagingone of said ratchet slots on one side of said inner member through anopening in said middle member; and a brake for preventing motion of saiddistal end of said inner member toward said proximal end of said middlemember when said ratchet is engaged with one of said ratchet slots onsaid inner member.
 5. The adjustable support of claim 4, wherein saidadjustable support further comprises a plurality of brake slots on atleast one side of said inner member; and wherein said brake comprises: alever pivotably attached to said middle member, said lever including: anengaging end adapted for selectively engaging one of said plurality ofbrake slots; a middle portion containing a pivotal attachment forpivotably securing said brake to said middle member; and a resistanceend attached to said middle member by a resistance means for providingresistance against compression of said lever towards said middle member.6. The adjustable support of claim 1, wherein said fine adjustment meanscomprises a pulley system including: a distal pulley post mounted insidesaid inner member; a proximal pulley post mounted inside said middlemember; cord means, said cord means being looped at least once aroundsaid distal pulley post, being looped at least once around said proximalpulley post, having an attached end attached to said middle member and afree end extending from said adjustable support, so that when said freeend is pulled, said distal pulley post and said proximal pulley postmove towards each other and said distal end of said inner member andsaid proximal end of said middle member move away from each other. 7.The adjustable support of claim 6, wherein said free end of said cordmeans extends from said adjustable support through an opening in saidinner member.
 8. The adjustable support of claim 6, wherein saidproximal pulley post and said distal pulley post are mounted at anoffset angle with respect to each other.
 9. The adjustable support ofclaim 6, wherein said proximal pulley post comprises a multi-prongpulley post.
 10. The adjustable support of claim 6, wherein said distalpulley post comprises a multi-prong pulley post.
 11. The adjustablesupport of claim 6, wherein both said proximal pulley post and saiddistal pulley post each comprise a multi-prong pulley post.
 12. Theadjustable support of claim 1, further comprising: a distal securingmeans attached to said distal end of said inner member for securing saidinner member to an individual's limb; and a proximal securing meansattached to said proximal end of said outer member for securing saidouter member to an individual's limb.
 13. The adjustable support ofclaim 12, wherein said distal securing means comprises a ring and saidproximal securing means comprises a ring.
 14. The adjustable support ofclaim 1, wherein said outer member, said middle member, and said innermember are each triangular in cross-section.
 15. The adjustable supportof claim 1, wherein said outer member, said middle member, and saidinner member are each rectangular in cross-section.
 16. The adjustablesupport of claim 1, wherein said outer member, said middle member, andsaid inner member are each circular in cross-section.
 17. The adjustablesupport of claim 1, further comprising a handle mounted at a distal endor a proximal end of said adjustable support.
 18. The adjustable supportof claim 17, wherein said handle is mounted on said distal end of saidinner member.
 19. The adjustable support of claim 17, wherein saidhandle is mounted on said proximal end of said outer member.
 20. Theadjustable support of claim 17, wherein said handle comprises an armpitrest.
 21. The adjustable support of claim 17, wherein said handlecomprises a hand grip.
 22. The adjustable support of claim 17, furthercomprising a resilient base mounted at said distal end or at saidproximal end of said adjustable support.
 23. The adjustable support ofclaim 22, wherein said resilient base is mounted on said proximal end ofsaid outer member.
 24. The adjustable support of claim 22, wherein saidresilient base is mounted on said distal end of said inner member. 25.The adjustable support of claim 17, further comprising a foot restmounted at said distal end or at said proximal end of said adjustablesupport.
 26. The adjustable support of claim 25, wherein said foot restis mounted on said proximal end of said outer member.
 27. The adjustablesupport of claim 26, further comprising a stopper mounted on saidproximal end of said outer member and mounted proximally of saidfootrest.
 28. The adjustable support of claim 25, wherein said foot restis mounted on said distal end of said inner member.
 29. The adjustablesupport of claim 28, further comprising a stopper mounted on said distalend of said inner member and mounted distally of said footrest.
 30. Theadjustable support of claim 17, further comprising a hook mounted onsaid proximal or said distal end of said adjustable support for allowinga strap to be secured to said hook.
 31. The adjustable support of claim30, wherein said hook comprises a retractable hook.
 32. The adjustablesupport of claim 17, further comprising a strap extending from saidadjustable support for extending under the sole of a user's foot and forproviding an even point of traction to a user's leg when a user's leg issecured to said adjustable support.
 33. The adjustable support of claim17, further comprising an external friction brake mounted on said middlemember for compressing said middle member against said inner member toprevent said inner member and said middle member from movinglongitudinally with respect to each other.
 34. An adjustable support,comprising: an outer member having a distal end and a proximal end; aninner member slidable in a longitudinal direction within said outermember, said inner member having a distal end and a proximal end; and anadjustment means for adjusting a distance between said distal end ofsaid inner member and a proximal end of said outer member by a pluralityof fine increments.
 35. The adjustable support of claim 34, wherein saidadjustment means comprises: a plurality of ratchet slots on at least oneside of said inner member; a ratchet for moving said inner memberrelative to said outer member by selectively engaging one of saidratchet slots on one side of said inner member through an opening insaid outer member; and a brake for preventing motion of said distal endof said inner member toward said proximal end of said outer member whensaid ratchet is engaged with one of said ratchet slots on said innermember.
 36. The adjustable support of claim 35, wherein said adjustablesupport further comprises a plurality of brake slots on at least oneside of said inner member, and wherein said brake comprises: a leverpivotably attached to said outer member, said lever including: aengaging end adapted for selectively engaging one of said plurality ofbrake slots; a middle portion containing a pivotal attachment forpivotably securing said brake to said outer member; and a resistance endattached to said outer member by a resistance means for providingresistance against compression of said lever towards said outer member.37. The adjustable support of claim 34, wherein said adjustment meanscomprises a pulley system including: a distal pulley post mounted insidesaid inner member; a proximal pulley post mounted inside said outermember; and cord means, said cord means being looped at least oncearound said distal pulley post, being looped at least once around saidproximal pulley post, having a attached end fixed to said inner memberand a free end extending from said adjustable support, so that when saidfree end is pulled, said distal pulley post and said proximal pulleypost move towards each other and said distal end of said inner memberand said proximal end of said outer member move away from each other.38. The adjustable support of claim 37, wherein said free end of saidcord means extends from said adjustable support through an opening insaid inner member.
 39. The adjustable support of claim 37, wherein saidproximal pulley post and said distal pulley post are mounted at anoffset angle with respect to each other.
 40. The adjustable support ofclaim 37, wherein said proximal pulley post comprises a multi-prongpulley post.
 41. The adjustable support of claim 37, wherein said distalpulley post comprises a multi-prong pulley post.
 42. The adjustablesupport of claim 37, wherein both said proximal pulley post and saiddistal pulley post each comprise a multi-prong pulley post.
 43. Theadjustable support of claim 34, further comprising: a distal securingmeans attached to said distal end of said inner member for securing saidinner member to an individual's limb; and a proximal securing meansattached to said proximal end of said outer member for securing saidouter member to an individual's limb.
 44. The adjustable support ofclaim 43, wherein said distal securing means comprises a ring and saidproximal securing means comprises a ring.
 45. The adjustable support ofclaim 34 wherein said outer member and said inner member are eachtriangular in cross-section.
 46. The adjustable support of claim 34,wherein said outer member and said inner member are each rectangular incross-section.
 47. The adjustable support of claim 34, wherein saidouter member and said inner member are each circular in cross-section.48. The adjustable support of claim 34, further comprising a handlemounted at a distal end or a proximal end of said adjustable support.49. The adjustable support of claim 48, wherein said handle is mountedon said distal end of said inner member.
 50. The adjustable support ofclaim 48, wherein said handle is mounted on said proximal end of saidouter member.
 51. The adjustable support of claim 48, wherein saidhandle comprises an armpit rest.
 52. The adjustable support of claim 48,wherein said handle comprises a hand grip.
 53. The adjustable support ofclaim 48, further comprising a resilient base mounted at said distal endor at said proximal end of said adjustable support.
 54. The adjustablesupport of claim 53, wherein said resilient base is mounted on saidproximal end of said outer member.
 55. The adjustable support of claim54, wherein said resilient base is mounted on said distal end of saidinner member.
 56. The adjustable support of claim 48, further comprisinga foot rest mounted at said distal end or at said proximal end of saidadjustable support.
 57. The adjustable support of claim 56, wherein saidfoot rest is mounted on said proximal end of said outer member.
 58. Theadjustable support of claim 57, further comprising a stopper mounted onsaid proximal end of said outer member and mounted proximally of saidfootrest.
 59. The adjustable support of claim 56, wherein said foot restis mounted on said distal end of said inner member.
 60. The adjustablesupport of claim 59, further comprising a stopper mounted on said distalend of said inner member and mounted distally of said footrest.
 61. Theadjustable support of claim 48, further comprising a hook mounted onsaid proximal or said distal end of said adjustable support for allowinga strap to be secured to said hook. 62 The adjustable support of claim61, wherein said hook comprises a retractable hook.
 63. The adjustablesupport of claim 48, further comprising a strap extending from saidadjustable support for extending under the sole of a user's foot and forproviding an even point of traction to a user's leg when a user's leg issecured to said adjustable support.
 64. The adjustable support of claim48, further comprising an external friction brake mounted on said middlemember for compressing said middle member against said inner member toprevent said inner member and said middle member from movinglongitudinally with respect to each other.
 65. An adjustable supportcomprising: an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end;a cord means extending through a hollow portion of said elongatedmember, said cord means including; a distal securing means for securingsaid elongated member to a limb of an individual, said distal securingmeans being mounted at said distal end of said elongated member andincluding a loop portion extending form said distal end of saidelongated member; a free end for grasping by a user and for allowing auser to pull on said cord means to cause said loop portion of saiddistal securing means to pull the limb of the individual towards saidelongated member; a connecting portion connecting said loop portion ofsaid distal securing means to said free end; and proximal securing meansfor securing said elongated member to the limb of the individual, saidproximal securing means being mounted on said elongated member at aposition proximal to said distal end of said elongated member.
 66. Theadjustable support of claim 65, wherein said elongated member comprisesa hollow tube.
 67. The adjustable support of claim 65, wherein said loopportion of said distal securing means includes a constriction loop forsecuring to the limb of the individual and a ring means for allowingsliding of said cord means for connecting said cord and saidconstriction loop.